By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
Dowagiac football coach Mike Stanger has reminded his team numerous times this week about the Allegan Tigers.
He has reminded his squad not to take for granted the fact that Allegan had a losing record last season and is 1-2 coming into the game.
He has also reminded his squad that winning three games so far this season means nothing.
Recent history should be enough for the Chieftains to recall that just because you win three games doesn't mean you are a lock to get into the playoffs.
"Nobody gives out awards for going 3-0," Stanger has told his squad. "I told the kids that we started out the season 3-0 last year and then we lost our next three games."
Dowagiac doesn't plan on letting that happen again this season.
The Chieftains are playing well heading into tonight's contest with the Tigers at Chris Taylor-Alumni Field.
Dowagiac has rushed for better than 350 yards in each of its last two games. Junior Jamie Simpson leads the way with nearly 400 yards rushing and an 11.0 yards per carry average.
Defensively, the Chieftains are also playing well . Dowagiac has allowed only 596 yards in total offense. Vicksburg is the only team in three weeks to gain over 200 yards on the Chieftain defense.
The Bulldogs managed 207 yards last week.
Allegan can move the football, according to Stanger. The Tigers have scored 21 points in both of their losses and put 34 points on the scoreboard in their win against Vicksburg.
"They can move the football," Stanger said of the Tigers. "They have done it the first three games. They have rushed for more than 250 yards in every game. They have been in every game until halftime. Honestly, I thought they outplayed Three Rivers."
Stanger also pointed out that Allegan has taken its opening possession and scored in all three contests.
"We need to shut them down on that first drive, there is no doubt about that," he said.
Allegan runs a mis-direction offense like Dowagiac. The Tigers will use "jet" motion on every down.
The Chieftains will need to play disciplined defense and stay at home tonight if they are going to be successful.
"I feel like we have them scouted well," Stanger said. "Coach (Pat) Lyle has watched the film and found tendancies in how they run their offense. They are going to use just two formations and run about eight plays out of those formations.
"This is going to be a real challenge for our defense," Stanger continued. "The linemen are going to watch the trap and counter plays. Our linebackers and defensive backs are going to stop the 'jet' motion. We have to be disciplined on defense."
Inside linebackers Tim Bartee and Kyle Bailey both have 23 tackles to lead the Chieftains defensively. Outside linebacker Mike Laylin has 20 stops, while defensive back Mike Kasper has 16 tackles.
Defensive lineman Matt Dodson leads the team with one and a half sacks. Defensive back Nick File leads the team with two interceptions.
Stanger is hoping that his offense will continue to improve just as it has through the first three games.
"Our offense has to keep rolling like is has been and control the football," he said. "Last year the defense was on the field too much."
Allegan will run an even front (4-4) against the Chieftains, the first time Dowagiac has seen that defensive alignment this season.
Stanger is not concerned about the new look across from his offense because the Chieftains have practiced against it plenty.
The Tigers will be coming into Dowagiac and playing with a sense of urgency. Allegan cannot afford to lose another game if it wants to qualify for the post season.
"They are going to be fired up because they don't want to be 1-3," Stanger said.
Dowagiac has been working hard on its special teams this week after missing a couple of extra points and giving up some big plays on the kickoff team.
"We put some work in this week and knock on wood, we should be better," he said.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.